Thailand And Malaysia Explorer (13 Days)

Welcome to Thailand and the big city bustle of Bangkok! Your journey begins in this cosmopolitan capital city, where grand palaces peacefully sit next to neon nightclubs and chaotic city streets are contrasted by calm monks strolling about. Home to floating markets, glistening malls, golden temples and a nightlife scene like no other, it’s the perfect mix of modern and ancient that’s yours to explore over the next two days. After arriving and transferring to your hotel, you’ll meet with your Travel Director and fellow travelers to chat through the adventures to come and indulge in your first tasty bites of Thailand’s incredible cuisine over dinner.

Start your sightseeing tour through Bangkok at the Grand Palace, the home of Thai royalty from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. This ornate complex will take your breath away as you soak in the dazzling display of intricate architecture, brightly-colored facades, towering statues and the most important image of Buddha in Thailand. Then, prepare yourself for the best kind of sensory overload as you explore the maze-like streets of the busiest neighborhood in Bangkok - Chinatown. Browse through stalls selling everything from Chinese herbal medicine to quirky desserts while salivating over the smells of grilled seafood. Continue on to visit the renowned Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit, where you’ll be wowed by the world’s largest solid gold Buddha. Weighing in at five and a half tons, this image is made of 83% pure gold and is worth millions of dollars today. With your mind full of history, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying an afternoon and evening spent your way. Adventure through the city on your own or consider joining our optional trip to visit Jim Thompson's House, an exquisite example of traditional Thai architecture.

Today is all yours to explore Bangkok your way! For a full day touring ancient sites, perhaps join us for an optional trip to Ayutthaya. You’ll get an early start to experience as much as possible, beginning with a visit to the pristine 17th-century Bang Pa-In Summer Palace where you’ll catch sight of traditional Chinese and European architecture favored by former Thai kings. Swap royal digs for ruins as you head to Ayutthaya, also known as the ‘Ancient City’ and capital of Thailand for 400 years. Take a moment to reflect on the city’s past grandeur as a center of commerce and global diplomacy as you wander amongst the fading temples, palaces and monasteries. Continue soaking up history with visits to the Wat Maha That, Wat Na Phra Mane and Wat Lokayasutharam temples, before heading to Wat Ching Lom Pier for your cruise back to Bangkok. Tuck into a tasty lunch while cruising the Chao Phraya River, catching sights like the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Arun. If you want to explore the city on your own, you can hit the city’s high-end shopping centers, unwind with a relaxing Thai massage or watch locals practice T’ai Chi at Lumpini Park.